Acts 1:1-3
(1) The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach, (2) until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, (3) to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
I. Christ’s sovereign work continues (v.1)
Luke reminds us that Jesus’ earthly ministry was only the beginning—His work continues through His risen life and His Spirit-filled people.
The book of Acts opens with Luke writing that his first book (the Gospel of Luke) recorded what Jesus “began both to do and teach.” The word began is the key. It implies that Christ’s ministry did not end with the cross, the resurrection, or even the ascension. It continues—actively, powerfully & personally.
This should resonate deeply with us. We do not believe in a distant Christ who merely left us instructions. We believe in a living Christ, still working, still ruling, still shepherding His people by Spirit. The church is not a memorial society; it is a living body animated by a living head.
Where do you see Christ continuing His work in your life? In your church? In your community?
Think of a river that begins flowing from a spring. The spring is the source, but the river continues to move, nourish, and shape the land. Christ’s earthly ministry is the spring; Acts—and our lives—are the river.
II. The Proofs of Christ’s Resurrection (v.3a)
The resurrection is not a vague hope but a well-attested reality that grounds our faith & empowers our witness.
Luke says Jesus showed Himself alive by “many infallible proofs.” The early church did not rest its hope on feelings or rumors, but on encounters with the risen Lord—touching His wounds, hearing His voice, eating with Him, receiving His peace.
What “proofs” has Christ given you? Not physical sightings but spiritual certainties—moments when His presence was undeniable, His grace unmistakable, His voice clear.
A blind person is not able to see the sun, but can feel its warmth. In the same way, we may not see the risen Christ with our eyes, but the warmth of His presence is proof enough to the believing heart.
III. The Promise of the Kingdom (v.3b)
Our risen Christ spent 40 days teaching about the kingdom—reminding us that His rule is present, powerful and advancing even now.
Jesus did not spend His post-resurrection days discussing politics, strategies or social structures. He spoke about the kingdom of God—the reign of God breaking into the world through the risen Christ and the Spirit’s power.
For us as Primitive Baptists, the kingdom is not merely future; it is present wherever Christ rules hearts, transforms lives, reconciles communities, and brings justice, mercy, and peace.
The kingdom is not built by human strength but revealed by divine presence. It is not a program but a Person. It is not a distant hope but a present reality.
Where do you see signs of the kingdom? In acts of compassion, in reconciled relationships, in Spirit-led worship, in the quiet faithfulness of God’s people.
A seed underground is hidden but alive. It pushes upward, breaks through the soil, and grows into something visible. The kingdom often begins unseen, but it is always growing.
Acts 1.1-3 reminds us: Christ’s work continues—and we are part of it. Christ’s resurrection is certain—and it anchors our hope. Christ’s kingdom is advancing—and we are invited to participate.
The book of Acts is not finished. Christ is still writing it through you.